During the high temperatures, using your air conditioning can be your largest monthly utility expense. So, it’s given that you’re seeking methods to use less energy. That might involve finding an energy-efficient AC setting or even stepping up to an ENERGY STAR®-rated model with air conditioner installation. Switching your air conditioning’s fan setting is an additional way you can spend less money. Your air conditioner uses a fan to dispatch the chilled air it produces. You adjust this fan at your thermostat by setting it to “auto,” which means the fan will only work when the air conditioner is going. Or you can set it to “on,” which indicates it will be on all the time. Does putting your AC on “fan” save energy in Cedar Rapids? Not necessarily. Usually, using your air conditioner’s fan constantly is going to make your energy bill slightly higher. But it also provides a few perks (and drawbacks) in regard to your residence’s comfort. Here’s why.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “On”
Having your air conditioner’s fan go continuously can better balance your house’s comfort. This is ideal if you live in a two-story house, since spaces upstairs can be more hot. It’s also good if you have issues with unbalanced cooling because of hot and cold rooms. It’s also advantageous if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues. That’s due to the fact the air is consistently being distributed and filtered. On the other hand, you may have to switch your air filters more regularly. Having the fan on all the time can also drive up your energy bills. It could also make the fan wear out prematurely and need air conditioning repair. Your residence may also feel more humid. Air conditioning helps balance humidity by extracting water from the air. But if the fan is constantly working, it’s more difficult for moisture to drain from the condenser externally.
Air Conditioner Fan Set to “Auto”
This is the most energy-efficient setting, as the fan will only work when your air conditioner does. It’s ideal if your house always seems pleasant, no matter what room you’re in. There are a few drawbacks to using the auto setting. You could have hot and cold locations in your house and reduced air quality. This is because air isn’t continuously being distributed or being repeatedly filtered. On the other hand, you’ll consume reduced energy and won’t have to switch your air filter as frequently. Both are savings that can tally up during the year, so you’ll have to consider what’s right for your home. If you’re running into home comfort issues during warm weather, Ilten's can assist you. We offer a large range of energy-efficient air conditioners that can keep your residence more pleasant while also helping you save more on energy expenses. Many also work with the latest smart home technology, giving you the ability to check and adjust temperature settings while you’re gone. To find out more about how we can make your residence more comfy, contact us at 319-208-2351 today.